BWW Previews: FREE WORKSHOPS AND EXPO WITH PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGES AT Straz Center

If your son or daughter enjoys the performing arts - dance, theatre or music- and is interested in pursuing a degree in that field, an inaugural free event is coming to the Straz Center that you and your kids won't want to miss.

On Sunday, September 30, from 9am until noon, the Straz Center will feature 6 to 9 workshops to include master classes and audition prep taught by Patel Conservatory and representative college faculty. These are specifically designed to help students earn acceptance into their favorite schools.

"We'll have workshops going in all disciplines - theatre, technical theatre, dance and instrumental and vocal music," said Suzanne Livesay, Vice President of Education. "We'll have workshops on auditioning for college or an actual technique workshop with some of the college representatives or professors. They can follow a track of what they are interested in. I'll also have my college bound workshop going which talks about how applying for a performing arts college is different from applying to a regular degreed program. We'll talk about what a performing arts degree program requires in the application process."

From noon to 3pm, some of the best performing arts colleges will be hosted at the Straz Center. Set up like an expo hall, students will get the opportunity to speak to representatives from schools known for their performing arts programs including Boston Conservatory, Butler University, Carnegie Mellon School of Music, Flagler College, Florida College, Florida Southern College, Florida State University College of Music, Greensboro College, Hillsborough Community College, Lynn Conservatory of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Savannah College of Art & Design, Stetson University, The American Musical Dramatic Academy, The New School, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of North Florida, University of South Florida, and Valdosta State University.

"All the different colleges will have tables set up for a true visit the table, talk with the rep set up," said Suzanne.

Though this type of collegiate event typically caters to high school juniors and seniors, all age students are invited to this first-time event.

"It's so competitive. People are already engaged and thinking about the college process in the performing arts as early as upper elementary and middle school. College counselors are telling us this. Everyone is invited. You should come and find out what you are getting involved in."

Expecting over 300 attendees, the event is open to the public but reservations are needed.

Straz Food and Beverage will have some grab and go lunch items available for purchase.

"People can hang out all day, grab something to eat, go sit by the river and then go visit the college reps."

Additional information available by contacting the Patel Conservatory Student Affairs office at 813.222.1029. RSVP at www.strazcenter.org/collegefair.

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